Cog

Description

I am Cogwright Brassbeard, though everyone calls me Cog. And yes, you should have heard of me.

Who I Am

I’m a rock gnome standing just over three feet tall—the shortest in my adventuring party, if you must know. My hands are perpetually stained from metalwork, and I always keep precision tools within reach. I wear a distinctive purple hat and carry a purple pipe that blows bubbles. Purchased them from Old Xoblob. They’ve become rather iconic, if I do say so myself.

My braided beard features brass rings marking my standing in the Tinker’s Guild. I’m told I have a confident expression. Some call it smug. I prefer “well-earned.”

My Story

I grew up in the Trades Ward of Waterdeep, where hammering, grinding, and tinkering were my lullaby. My parents ran a small clockwork repair shop, but I had bigger dreams.

I apprenticed under Master Cogwright Brassbeard—yes, my namesake and distant relative—the finest tinker in the guild and creator of the automated street lamps in the Noble District. The workshop, “Precision & Progress” on Copper Street, became my sanctuary. Every tool had its place. Every blueprint, perfectly organized. Master Brassbeard’s philosophy guided me: “A gnome’s work should outlast empires.”

Everything changed when someone broke into the workshop. Not to steal—to examine Master Brassbeard’s secret lock designs. The intruder left only tiny scratches that told me a story: this person was an artist with lockpicks. I was intrigued rather than angry. I began studying their techniques.

When Master Brassbeard discovered my nocturnal studies, I chose to use my unique skills for good. Now I walk the line between legitimate guild work and unofficial city protection, defending Waterdeep’s mechanical marvels from those who would harm them.

Why I’m Here

I have a personal vendetta against the Zhentarim. Have you seen the state of the street lamps in their territory? Deplorable. Someone needs to maintain this city’s infrastructure, and apparently that someone is me.

I found companions who appreciate precision work—at Trollskull Manor of all places. Together, we’ve accomplished things even I find impressive. And that’s saying something.

What Drives Me

I work hard to be the best at my craft. The workshop where I learned my trade is the most important place in the world to me.

I’ll admit I’m competitive. Horribly jealous of anyone who can outshine my handiwork. Everywhere I go, I’m surrounded by rivals. There’s a former fellow apprentice, Penny Quickfingers, whose self-winding watch invention still irritates me.

I’m full of witty aphorisms—I have a proverb for every occasion. And I’m always a bit taken aback when people haven’t heard of me. It happens less often than you’d think.

I once broke a dagger showing off. Tried to recreate a brilliant throw and missed spectacularly. The blade snapped against the wall. It was… a learning experience. About humility. I’m working on it.